W.L. “Bill” Wilson, 82

Mr. W.L. “Bill” Wilson, 82, of Norristown, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024, at home surrounded by family. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 13, at 2 p.m. at Anchor of Hope Worship Center in Soperton. Family received friends at 1 p.m. prior to the service. Interment followed at Mount Zion Primitive Baptist Church in Norristown.

Pallbearers were Logan Wilson, John Wilson, Trent Wilson, Tyler Wilson, Von Wilson and Lewis Wilson. Honorary pallbearers were Roger Wilson and Kevin Wilson.

Bill was born July 1, 1942, in Swainsboro, to the late Lewis Wilson and Fannie Scarboro Wilson. He was a retired Chief Warrant Officer IV for the United States Army where he served for 43 years and was awarded a Bronze Star and an American Air Medal. Bill served in the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1964, serving in the 611th Transportation Company. After his first tour, Bill attended and completed Chief Warrant Officer School and returned to Vietnam in 1967 to 1968, serving in the 7 Squadron of the 17th Air Calvary. He earned his wings during service by piloting a wide range of rotary and fixed wing aircrafts. Bill also served as the President of the Mississippi Moose Association and as an International Moose Legion Ambassador. He received the Fellowship Degree of Honor and Pilgrim Degree of Merit during his time. Mr. Wilson is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruthie Gilmore Wilson; and son, Elmer Wilson.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his son, Robert (Kay) Wilson of Locust Grove; grandsons, Logan (Claire) Wilson, John (Kendal) Wilson, Trent Wilson and Tyler (Gabby Suell) Wilson; great-grandchildren, Millie Claire, Robert Moxley and Emersyn Kate; brother, Roger Wilson of Norristown; and nephew, Von Wilson of Norristown.

Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro was in charge of arrangements.